Responsible Gold Mining

Gold is a unique metal with high direct consumer demand for investment, jewellery, and various industrial uses. Most gold is extracted by industrial mines. Unfortunately, due to weak governance in many countries the environmental and social impacts of these mines are not sufficiently regulated. Additionally, an estimated 16 million artisanal gold miners, who have been associated with human rights abuses and environmental degradation, and often operate outside the government’s control, extract up to 20% of all gold. Moreover, due to its high recyclability, about one-third of gold is extracted from secondary sources.

Various research projects focus on multiple issues across the gold supply chain, from extraction to consumption. We used satellite images and federal data to study the impact of artisanal gold mines in Burkina Faso on the households around them. In addition, we conducted surveys, biometric sampling, and a field experiment on four artisanal mines in Burkina Faso to understand how miners protect themselves against mercury poisoning. We then analyzed the supply chains of gold and mercury and how respective value and financial flows are embedded within local and transnational trading networks. Lastly, by conducting a qualitative case study we identified current opportunities and barriers for formalization and the adoption of responsible sourcing practices.

Further down the supply chain, we conducted randomized controlled trials and surveys in Switzerland to understand the drivers of e-waste recycling, to increase the amount of gold sourced from secondary sources and alleviating pressure on primary resources.

Researchers: Antoinette van der Merwe, Isabel Günther, Fritz Brugger, Joschka J. Proksik